Bath have drafted in Munster's Peter Stringer on a short-term deal lasting between seven and eight weeks.

The west country side are currently without first choice half-back Michael Claassens, who is out for between three and four weeks, and they have moved quickly to add Stringer to their resources. He will vie with fellow No.9s Chris Cook and Mark McMillan for a spot in their first-team.

Bath have already added short-term injury cover this year with hooker Brett Sharman and flanker Mat Gilbert signing and Gary Gold is hopeful that Stringer will have a positive impact at the club.

"Peter is a world class professional and has an incredible amount of experience he can bring to the squad," Gold said. "He is still keen to compete at the highest level, and we are short at scrum-half at the moment due to injury. I'm sure he'll be a huge asset to our other nine's with his invaluable experience and exceptional work ethic."

Munster coach Rob Penney praised Stringer's mentality and wished him well at Bath. "As things stand, the opportunity that Peter desires to play top level rugby consistently doesn't present itself here in Munster," Penney said. "Cognisant of that desire we are happy to accomodate him and Bath Rugby's request and hope the arrangement proves mutually beneficial. A consummate professional is every aspect of his conduct, he makes the move with our very best wishes."

Stringer will bring vast experience to Bath having made over 200 appearances for Munster and he also has 98 Ireland caps to his name. He is no stranger to the Aviva Premiership having played for both Saracens and Newcastle last season making a combined total of 11 appearances in England's top flight.